Community leaders and well-wishers gathered for the grand opening of a town's new restaurant, which has been named in memory of a much-loved son and brother who died by suicide.

About 40 dignitaries and friends gathered for the launch party of Ry’s Bar and Grill, started by the Taylor family after they took over the old Bear public house in the centre of Attleborough.

The restaurant - which will serve quality steaks and traditional food, as well as cream teas from its coffee lounge - officially opened on to the public a day later on Friday and was full-booked for its opening weekend.

The venue was named in memory of Ryan Hunt, who was just 21 years old when he took his own life in November last year. He had been suffering with depression.

Before his death, he suggested that his family, who already own the London Tavern pub in Queens Square, Attleborough, take over the old Bear.

The site of the pub in the centre of the town had been empty for 15 months and Ryan – known as Ry to his family – felt the Taylors could make it a success.

In what Ryan’s mother Samantha Taylor described as an “emotional moment of madness”, the family bought the venue and reopened it following refurbishment.

“The loss of a child is something no parent should have to live with,” Mrs Taylor said.

“But when your child makes the choice to end theirs with no explanation, it’s hard to bear.

“As a family you have so many questions – like what happened that day. You go over every detail of your relationship.

“Like many mums and their sons, we had our ups and downs. We could have spectacular rows. Generally, they never lasted more than a day or so; still, it’s hard when you’re not given the chance to try and save them.

“When you become a parent you worry about the things that are out of your control – childhood illness, accidents and the dangers that are out there. You don’t stop to think of the danger they can be to themselves.

“I know Ryan’s dad, myself and our family will never get over it. It’s always going to be there.”

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